Lost in a hayfield

October 4, 2020Family, funsusanmanzke

This memory/column is from 1982. Bob and I went to Farm Progress Day that year. Rachel Jo was with us. She was only three months old and I kept her near as I was nursing her.

When it was time to feed little Rachel, I started out across a huge hayfield where all the cars were parked. It took a little while to fine our van, but I finally found it and settled back to take care of my baby.

As I relaxed, I watched as others came to the same hayfield looking for their cars and trucks. To me their searches looked like a game.

This is the column I wrote after that Farm Progress Day excursion.

These days, when drivers can’t find their vehicles they can push the button on their keys and have their car honk and blink. That way they are easier to find. It wasn’t that way in 1982,

There are no big adventures in my headlights these days so remembrances will have to do.

P.S. I also remember how cozy I felt in the van that day as I nursed my baby. That’s a good memory, too.

Goodbyes are memories to save, too

October 3, 2020Family, Saved family memoriessusanmanzke

This recorded column is from 1988 when we lost my Grandma Jo. I kind of choked up at the end. I thought I was far enough removed, but I guess not.

I have a nicer memory to add.

As I was thinking about Grandma cooking in her kitchen I remembered newspaper.

After Grandma scrubbed her linoleum floor, she’s cover the whole room with newspapers, trying to keep it clean for a few extra days.

You had to be careful how you walked across the paper-covered floor so you didn’t shove the paper out of position.

I wonder now if Grandma ever ended up with smudges of newspaper print on her floor. That could have given her more work–Mom never adopted this floor covering. Maybe that was because we never subscribed to a newspaper and didn’t have the needed supplies.

My thoughts as I remember Grandma today.

A memory saved

October 2, 2020Family, Memories, writingsusanmanzke

I’m always encouraging people to save their family stories. Today’s video is one short suggestion how to get started.

Now look around your home and see what jogs your memory. After you find that item, write down the memory or record it like I have done today.

Dirty Feet

October 1, 2020Family, writingsusanmanzke

Have you thought about writing your family stories? Have you started?

No?

Here is a story from my father’s written words. I wish I had him telling it, but this is the best I can do today. I hope you enjoy one account from his childhood.

Now it’s your turn. Write down or record one of your own stories today. You have to start somewhere.

(Imagine me giving you a kick in the butt to get you going.)

Introducing Cruella

September 30, 2020animals, catssusanmanzke

About 14 years ago I rescued another kitten. Her mother walked away with 3 siblings and left Cruella behind. She was so small I had to bottle feed her

Cruella looking across the frozen landscape last winter.

Cruella received her name because she was wicked, biting and scratching. Even though lovingly tended to, she never became a friendly cat, except to Bob. She would search him out in the evening and sit on his chest.

She would also follow us upstairs at bedtime and reclaim her Bob pillow.

Most people never see Cruella. If someone does get a glimpse of her they feel honored.

Cruella lives upstairs, mainly sleeping on my bed. Today she surprised me.

She came down to the kitchen to try out the dog bed. It seemed to suit her so she stayed for an afternoon nap today.

At night, Cruella will join me in bed. It took her a while to honor me with her presence. She actually purrs as we both doze off to sleep.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person

Lost in a hayfield

Goodbyes are memories to save, too

A memory saved

Dirty Feet

Introducing Cruella